Grit. gratitude. grace.
What Special Needs Motherhood Requires.
Websites
Kids Like Me
http://www.kidslikemela.org/
What they offer: The Help Group Kids Like Me programs, located in the Los Angeles area, are designed especially for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder and other special needs. Children with special needs can benefit greatly from fun, recreational activities that encourage social skills as well as developmental growth.
Easter Seals
What they offer: Resources for autism, seniors, children, adults, military and veterans, employment and training, medical rehabilitation, camping and recreation, brain health.
Special Olympics
What they offer: Real sports, building communities, youth activation, healthy lifestyle promotion, leadership, research.
United Cerebral Palsy
What they offer: My Child Without Limits, My Life Without Limits, family support, employment guides, health and wellness tips, housing help, financial assistance, international resources.
The Arc
What they offer: Information and referral services, individual advocacy to address education, employment, health care and other concerns, self-advocacy initiatives, residential support, family support, employment programs, leisure and recreational programs.
Goodwill Industries International
What they offer: Financial coaching, savings and loan support, tax preparation, education programs, community services, financial aid, transportation, after school programs, housing assistance, clothing assistance, medical rehabilitation.
Parents Helping Parents
What they offer: Support groups, family and community services, crisis support, early intervention, assistive technology services.
Federation for Children with Special Needs
What they offer: special education center for parents, family support, health advocacy, family and community engagement, parent-professional leadership, summer camp, parent-to-parent support.
Family Voices
What they offer: Family-centered care, partnerships, quality, access, affordability and acceptability, health systems that work for families and children, informed families/strong communities and self-advocacy/empowerment.
The Friendship Circle
What they offer: Provides assistance and support to the families of children with special needs, various programs and social outings offered, volunteer home visits offered, camp experiences, sports, sibling support, life skills
Center for Parent Information and Resources
10 Basic Steps in Special Education explains the process special education services for a child.
Closing the Gap
What they offer: Closing the Gap helps people learn how to utilize assistive technology to change lives.
National Center for Learning Disabilities
What they offer: The National Center for Learning Disabilities answers frequently asked questions (FAQ) on this page of resources.
Disabled Sports USA
What they offer: Disabled Sports USA provides recreation and sports opportunities to disabled youth, adults, and wounded warriors.
Understood.org:
For learning and attention issues.
Wrightslaw.com
HollyRod Foundation:
The HollyRod foundation is dedicated to providing compassionate care to those living with autism and Parkinson’s disease.
Mindful Return
Balancing Career with a Special Needs Baby.
Maci & Pebble - A Roadmap for Navigating Autism
This site has been designed to act as a guide, share vetted resources and provide support for parents and caregivers as they journey with their loved ones on the Autism Spectrum.
http://www.kidslikemela.org/
What they offer: The Help Group Kids Like Me programs, located in the Los Angeles area, are designed especially for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder and other special needs. Children with special needs can benefit greatly from fun, recreational activities that encourage social skills as well as developmental growth.
Easter Seals
What they offer: Resources for autism, seniors, children, adults, military and veterans, employment and training, medical rehabilitation, camping and recreation, brain health.
Special Olympics
What they offer: Real sports, building communities, youth activation, healthy lifestyle promotion, leadership, research.
United Cerebral Palsy
What they offer: My Child Without Limits, My Life Without Limits, family support, employment guides, health and wellness tips, housing help, financial assistance, international resources.
The Arc
What they offer: Information and referral services, individual advocacy to address education, employment, health care and other concerns, self-advocacy initiatives, residential support, family support, employment programs, leisure and recreational programs.
Goodwill Industries International
What they offer: Financial coaching, savings and loan support, tax preparation, education programs, community services, financial aid, transportation, after school programs, housing assistance, clothing assistance, medical rehabilitation.
Parents Helping Parents
What they offer: Support groups, family and community services, crisis support, early intervention, assistive technology services.
Federation for Children with Special Needs
What they offer: special education center for parents, family support, health advocacy, family and community engagement, parent-professional leadership, summer camp, parent-to-parent support.
Family Voices
What they offer: Family-centered care, partnerships, quality, access, affordability and acceptability, health systems that work for families and children, informed families/strong communities and self-advocacy/empowerment.
The Friendship Circle
What they offer: Provides assistance and support to the families of children with special needs, various programs and social outings offered, volunteer home visits offered, camp experiences, sports, sibling support, life skills
Center for Parent Information and Resources
10 Basic Steps in Special Education explains the process special education services for a child.
Closing the Gap
What they offer: Closing the Gap helps people learn how to utilize assistive technology to change lives.
National Center for Learning Disabilities
What they offer: The National Center for Learning Disabilities answers frequently asked questions (FAQ) on this page of resources.
Disabled Sports USA
What they offer: Disabled Sports USA provides recreation and sports opportunities to disabled youth, adults, and wounded warriors.
Understood.org:
For learning and attention issues.
Wrightslaw.com
HollyRod Foundation:
The HollyRod foundation is dedicated to providing compassionate care to those living with autism and Parkinson’s disease.
Mindful Return
Balancing Career with a Special Needs Baby.
Maci & Pebble - A Roadmap for Navigating Autism
This site has been designed to act as a guide, share vetted resources and provide support for parents and caregivers as they journey with their loved ones on the Autism Spectrum.
Associations, Councils, Centers, and Societies
Autism Society: Since 1965, the Autism Society has been providing information for individuals on the spectrum, family members, and professionals.
Council for Exceptional Children: The Council for Exceptional Children provides information and resources about Special Education.
Easter Seals: For almost 100 years, Easter Seals has been providing services to those with special needs and disabilities.
Family Voices: Children and youth with special health care needs can benefit from Family Voices.
Federation for Children with Special Needs: The focus of the Federation for Children with Special Needs is on the parents and providing support for them, which in turn benefits the child with special needs.
Family Hope Center: When children or adults have special needs, the Family Hope Center provides support to the entire family.
Family Resource Center on Disabilities: Training, assistance, and information are given to parents of children with disabilities by the Family Resource Center on Disabilities.
National Association of Parents with Children in Special Education (NAPCSE): Parents of Special Education students can learn how to be their child’s best advocate.
National Council on Independent Living: NCIL promotes social change and strives to do away with disability driven discrimination.
National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability: NCWD for Youth provides strategies and development systems for youth with disabilities to join the workforce.
National Down Syndrome Society: The ndss supports people with Down Syndrome by providing resources such as wellness, education, and research.
Pacer Center: The Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights utilizes the idea of parents helping parents and provides support and resources for children and youth with disabilities and their families.
Parent to Parent USA: Parent to Parent USA offers support to parents of children with special needs.
United Spinal Association: The United Spinal Association offers support, advice, and resources for those with spinal cord injuries.
Prader-Willi California Foundation: Since 1979 Prader-Willi California Foundation has been dedicated to supporting people with Prader-Willi syndrome and their families, and the professionals who serve them.
Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (USA): PWSA (USA) was organized in 1975 to provide support for individuals, families, professionals, and organizations and to be a resource for education and information about Prader-Willi syndrome.
HOPE: Horses Helping people (based in Florida)
OurTism: OurTism works with individuals, families, and professionals to help people with Asperger Syndrome and similar autism spectrum profiles build meaningful, connected lives. They do this by providing information, education, community, support and advocacy all in an atmosphere of validation and respect.
Council for Exceptional Children: The Council for Exceptional Children provides information and resources about Special Education.
Easter Seals: For almost 100 years, Easter Seals has been providing services to those with special needs and disabilities.
Family Voices: Children and youth with special health care needs can benefit from Family Voices.
Federation for Children with Special Needs: The focus of the Federation for Children with Special Needs is on the parents and providing support for them, which in turn benefits the child with special needs.
Family Hope Center: When children or adults have special needs, the Family Hope Center provides support to the entire family.
Family Resource Center on Disabilities: Training, assistance, and information are given to parents of children with disabilities by the Family Resource Center on Disabilities.
National Association of Parents with Children in Special Education (NAPCSE): Parents of Special Education students can learn how to be their child’s best advocate.
National Council on Independent Living: NCIL promotes social change and strives to do away with disability driven discrimination.
National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability: NCWD for Youth provides strategies and development systems for youth with disabilities to join the workforce.
National Down Syndrome Society: The ndss supports people with Down Syndrome by providing resources such as wellness, education, and research.
Pacer Center: The Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights utilizes the idea of parents helping parents and provides support and resources for children and youth with disabilities and their families.
Parent to Parent USA: Parent to Parent USA offers support to parents of children with special needs.
United Spinal Association: The United Spinal Association offers support, advice, and resources for those with spinal cord injuries.
Prader-Willi California Foundation: Since 1979 Prader-Willi California Foundation has been dedicated to supporting people with Prader-Willi syndrome and their families, and the professionals who serve them.
Prader-Willi Syndrome Association (USA): PWSA (USA) was organized in 1975 to provide support for individuals, families, professionals, and organizations and to be a resource for education and information about Prader-Willi syndrome.
HOPE: Horses Helping people (based in Florida)
OurTism: OurTism works with individuals, families, and professionals to help people with Asperger Syndrome and similar autism spectrum profiles build meaningful, connected lives. They do this by providing information, education, community, support and advocacy all in an atmosphere of validation and respect.
Podcasts
Special Education Channel (bamradionetwork.com)
Special Needs Planning and Special Education Advocacy Podcasts (littmankrooks.com)
Special Parents Confidential (specialparentsconfidential.com)
The Inclusive Class Podcast (theinclusiveclass.com)
The Coffee Klatch Special Needs Radio (blogtalkradio.com)
Unexceptional Moms: Hope & Encouragement for Special Needs Parents (itunes.apple.com)
Who Lives Like This? The Grit and Grace of Caregiving (https://www.wholiveslikethispodcast.com)
Books
Blue Sky July by Nia Wyn
Nobody’s Perfect by Nancy B Miller
Special Needs Advocacy Resource Book by Rich Weinfield & Michelle Davis
The IEP from A to Z by Diane Twatchtman-Cullen & Jennifer Twachtman-Bassett
The Blessings of a Skinned Knee by Wendy Mogel
The Elephant in the Playroom: Ordinary Parents Write Intimately and Honestly About Raising Kids with Special Needs by Denise Brodey
Shut Up About Your Perfect Kid: A Survival Guide for Ordinary Parents of Special Children by Gina Gallagher
Bloom: Finding Beauty in the Unexpected--A Memoir (P.S) by Kelle Hampton
Becoming a Seriously Happy Special Needs Mom: 21 Steps to Finding Your Happy Place (Volume 1) by Linda James Bennett
Views From Our Shoes—Growing Up with a Brother or Sister with Special Needs Edited by Donald Meyer
Living with a Brother or Sister with Special Needs—A Book for Sibs by Donald Meyer and Patricia Vadasy
Not What I Expected: Help and Hope for Parents of Atypical Children by Rita Eichenstein and Daniel J. Siegel
Nobody’s Perfect by Nancy B Miller
Special Needs Advocacy Resource Book by Rich Weinfield & Michelle Davis
The IEP from A to Z by Diane Twatchtman-Cullen & Jennifer Twachtman-Bassett
The Blessings of a Skinned Knee by Wendy Mogel
The Elephant in the Playroom: Ordinary Parents Write Intimately and Honestly About Raising Kids with Special Needs by Denise Brodey
Shut Up About Your Perfect Kid: A Survival Guide for Ordinary Parents of Special Children by Gina Gallagher
Bloom: Finding Beauty in the Unexpected--A Memoir (P.S) by Kelle Hampton
Becoming a Seriously Happy Special Needs Mom: 21 Steps to Finding Your Happy Place (Volume 1) by Linda James Bennett
Views From Our Shoes—Growing Up with a Brother or Sister with Special Needs Edited by Donald Meyer
Living with a Brother or Sister with Special Needs—A Book for Sibs by Donald Meyer and Patricia Vadasy
Not What I Expected: Help and Hope for Parents of Atypical Children by Rita Eichenstein and Daniel J. Siegel
Online Magazines
Blogs
Hopeful Parents
grassroots support for parents of kids with special needs
http://www.hopefulparents.org/
LOVE THAT MAX
A blog about kids with disabilities who kick butt
https://www.lovethatmax.com/
Mom-Not Otherwise Specified
On raising a son on the autism spectrum, progressive politics, pop culture, and coffee addiction.
http://momnos.blogspot.com/
Finding Coopers Voice: The Secret World of Autism
https://www.findingcoopersvoice.com/
AMY NEYER
Mom. Physical therapist. Writer. Special needs advocate.
http://amyneyer.com/
KRISTA LYNNETTE
They Call Me Crazy
https://www.kristalynnette.com/
Growing Up with PWS
https://growingupwithpws.blogspot.com/
WE'RE ALL A LITTLE BROKEN
family. real. raw. broken. beautiful.
https://alittlebroken.org/
AUTISM MOM DIARIES
Insights and Inspiration As I Navigate Through the Unique World of Autism Parenting
https://www.autismmomdiaries.com/
grassroots support for parents of kids with special needs
http://www.hopefulparents.org/
LOVE THAT MAX
A blog about kids with disabilities who kick butt
https://www.lovethatmax.com/
Mom-Not Otherwise Specified
On raising a son on the autism spectrum, progressive politics, pop culture, and coffee addiction.
http://momnos.blogspot.com/
Finding Coopers Voice: The Secret World of Autism
https://www.findingcoopersvoice.com/
AMY NEYER
Mom. Physical therapist. Writer. Special needs advocate.
http://amyneyer.com/
KRISTA LYNNETTE
They Call Me Crazy
https://www.kristalynnette.com/
Growing Up with PWS
https://growingupwithpws.blogspot.com/
WE'RE ALL A LITTLE BROKEN
family. real. raw. broken. beautiful.
https://alittlebroken.org/
AUTISM MOM DIARIES
Insights and Inspiration As I Navigate Through the Unique World of Autism Parenting
https://www.autismmomdiaries.com/
Programs
Hippotherapy with Buena Vista Therapeutics Rolling Hills, CA
Hippotherapy is a medically based treatment that incorporates the movement of the horse to help facilitate neurological changes in the client. The beneficial sensory stimulation reaches the client on several levels: emotionally physically and of course, quality of life.
The Friendship Foundation, Manhattan Beach, CA (after school, weekend, and summer programs and camps)
The Friendship Foundation supports parents and families who have children and young adults with special needs by providing a safe, accepting and inclusive environment where they can enjoy sports, art, music and many other social programs with their peers. Our friendly staff and helpful volunteers create a fun experience for all. It is our belief that every person is precious and capable of love, connection and friendship.
Pediatric Therapy Network, Torrance, CA
Pediatric Therapy Network (PTN) was founded in 1996 by a handful of therapists, parents and volunteers who envisioned an organization that would provide the community with high quality therapy, research and education as it relates to fostering the best possible outcomes for children with special needs. PTN's founders committed themselves to building a high caliber resource for the many families who were struggling to find services for their children. With merely 5,000 square feet of space to provide treatment to the young clients, our dedicated group of therapists used equipment and materials that were donated or purchased at yard sales to conduct physical, occupational and speech therapy based on the sensory integration techniques taught by pioneer, Dr. Jean Ayres.
Mychal’s Learning Place, Hawthorne, CA
Mychal’s Learning Place believes that children and adults with developmental disabilities deserve to be challenged with opportunities that build self-esteem and independence, creating long term success for life.
MRC Behavioral Academy, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA (after school and summer activities)
offer academic support such as tutoring/homework/supplemental activities; adaptive physical education, such as circuit training, hiking, other outdoor activities; & activities on cooking/cleaning.
The Golden Heart Ranch
GHR has a strong emphasis on person-centered plans. We provide meaningful classes, programs and social events that encourage and facilitate vocational and independent living skills for everyday life. Our Ranchers, aka “clients”have the opportunity to choose from individualized jobs that in turn promotes an important sense of accomplishment which we believe is the key to spiritual and social growth. Golden Heart Ranch combines the need for relaxation, fun and entertainment with skill-building activities… a perfect combination for continual social and emotional growth.
South Bay Connections
SBKC is a place to discover the joy of being with others. We help children develop friendship skills and improve the quality of their social interactions by promoting kindness, building self-esteem, and emphasizing cooperation with others. We engage children in activities that center on team work, problem solving and of course-tons of fun! In today’s competition obsessed culture, SBKC values playing with others over playing against others.
ICAN, Hermosa Beach, CA
ICAN is a nonprofit organization that has been serving the community for over 40 years. We provide quality recreational, employment, empowerment, and socialization programs for Southern California’s adults with physical and developmental disabilities, meeting the needs of not just the individual, but his or her entire family.
Our Village: A Social Learning Community: OUR VILLAGE is a non-profit organization in Redondo Beach, CA, founded in 2015. Its mission is to provide Evidence-based Play & Social Skills Groups to children, teens and young adults with autism, adhd and social anxiety. They offer fun, Play and Social Skills groups (for kids ages 4-12), PEERS® for Adolescents (ages 12-17), PEERS® for Young Adults (ages 18-30), SIBSHOPS (ages 6-15), Parent Support Groups and more! Many of the programs at Our Village are vendored with Harbor Regional Center, making them accessible to families in need.
www.ourvillageslc.org
Sibshops: (for Siblings of Special Needs Kids/Adults) Don Meyer/Sibling Support Project
Young Life Capernaum, Nationwide
Young Life leaders have the privilege of knowing and sharing their lives with teenagers and young adults with disabilities. While all Young Life activities are open to every high school student, many Young Life areas have dedicated programs for students and young adults with disabilities, typically referred to as Young Life Capernaum. Young Life Capernaum gives young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities the chance to experience fun and adventure, to develop fulfilling friendships and to challenge their limits while building self-esteem through club, camp and other exciting activities.
Autism Partnership Foundation, Seal Beach, CA
Autism Partnership Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding our understanding of effective and empirically-supported treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder through innovative research, improving the quality of services through national and international training and consultation, and most importantly, increasing the availability of effective treatment to children with ASD and their families.
Education Sage Inc., Palos Verdes, California
Brain-based Coaching For Students age 6 to College. For more than 30 years, Beth Silver has taught students how to put information into memory and easily retrieve it through the use of Brain Based Coaching™. Bases coaching on individual's learning styles, helping students understand how they learn best. Shows students how to learn modalities and techniques that work for their learning styles. Concentrates on students putting information into memory in a way that makes retrieval easy. Assures that students become organized in all work so they can manage their learning.
Best Day Foundation
https://bestdayfoundation.org
Best Day Foundation enables children and young adults with special needs to build confidence and self-esteem through adventure activities which stretch their limits, expand their true potential, reinforce their achievement, & connect them with diverse populations in their community.Best Day currently has chapters serving:
· Chesapeake Bay Virginia and Northern North Carolina
· Florida
· New Jersey
· Los Angeles county, California
· Orange County, California
· San Diego, county, California
· Santa Barbara county, California
· Ventura county, California
Hippotherapy is a medically based treatment that incorporates the movement of the horse to help facilitate neurological changes in the client. The beneficial sensory stimulation reaches the client on several levels: emotionally physically and of course, quality of life.
The Friendship Foundation, Manhattan Beach, CA (after school, weekend, and summer programs and camps)
The Friendship Foundation supports parents and families who have children and young adults with special needs by providing a safe, accepting and inclusive environment where they can enjoy sports, art, music and many other social programs with their peers. Our friendly staff and helpful volunteers create a fun experience for all. It is our belief that every person is precious and capable of love, connection and friendship.
Pediatric Therapy Network, Torrance, CA
Pediatric Therapy Network (PTN) was founded in 1996 by a handful of therapists, parents and volunteers who envisioned an organization that would provide the community with high quality therapy, research and education as it relates to fostering the best possible outcomes for children with special needs. PTN's founders committed themselves to building a high caliber resource for the many families who were struggling to find services for their children. With merely 5,000 square feet of space to provide treatment to the young clients, our dedicated group of therapists used equipment and materials that were donated or purchased at yard sales to conduct physical, occupational and speech therapy based on the sensory integration techniques taught by pioneer, Dr. Jean Ayres.
Mychal’s Learning Place, Hawthorne, CA
Mychal’s Learning Place believes that children and adults with developmental disabilities deserve to be challenged with opportunities that build self-esteem and independence, creating long term success for life.
MRC Behavioral Academy, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA (after school and summer activities)
offer academic support such as tutoring/homework/supplemental activities; adaptive physical education, such as circuit training, hiking, other outdoor activities; & activities on cooking/cleaning.
The Golden Heart Ranch
GHR has a strong emphasis on person-centered plans. We provide meaningful classes, programs and social events that encourage and facilitate vocational and independent living skills for everyday life. Our Ranchers, aka “clients”have the opportunity to choose from individualized jobs that in turn promotes an important sense of accomplishment which we believe is the key to spiritual and social growth. Golden Heart Ranch combines the need for relaxation, fun and entertainment with skill-building activities… a perfect combination for continual social and emotional growth.
South Bay Connections
SBKC is a place to discover the joy of being with others. We help children develop friendship skills and improve the quality of their social interactions by promoting kindness, building self-esteem, and emphasizing cooperation with others. We engage children in activities that center on team work, problem solving and of course-tons of fun! In today’s competition obsessed culture, SBKC values playing with others over playing against others.
ICAN, Hermosa Beach, CA
ICAN is a nonprofit organization that has been serving the community for over 40 years. We provide quality recreational, employment, empowerment, and socialization programs for Southern California’s adults with physical and developmental disabilities, meeting the needs of not just the individual, but his or her entire family.
Our Village: A Social Learning Community: OUR VILLAGE is a non-profit organization in Redondo Beach, CA, founded in 2015. Its mission is to provide Evidence-based Play & Social Skills Groups to children, teens and young adults with autism, adhd and social anxiety. They offer fun, Play and Social Skills groups (for kids ages 4-12), PEERS® for Adolescents (ages 12-17), PEERS® for Young Adults (ages 18-30), SIBSHOPS (ages 6-15), Parent Support Groups and more! Many of the programs at Our Village are vendored with Harbor Regional Center, making them accessible to families in need.
www.ourvillageslc.org
Sibshops: (for Siblings of Special Needs Kids/Adults) Don Meyer/Sibling Support Project
Young Life Capernaum, Nationwide
Young Life leaders have the privilege of knowing and sharing their lives with teenagers and young adults with disabilities. While all Young Life activities are open to every high school student, many Young Life areas have dedicated programs for students and young adults with disabilities, typically referred to as Young Life Capernaum. Young Life Capernaum gives young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities the chance to experience fun and adventure, to develop fulfilling friendships and to challenge their limits while building self-esteem through club, camp and other exciting activities.
Autism Partnership Foundation, Seal Beach, CA
Autism Partnership Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding our understanding of effective and empirically-supported treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder through innovative research, improving the quality of services through national and international training and consultation, and most importantly, increasing the availability of effective treatment to children with ASD and their families.
Education Sage Inc., Palos Verdes, California
Brain-based Coaching For Students age 6 to College. For more than 30 years, Beth Silver has taught students how to put information into memory and easily retrieve it through the use of Brain Based Coaching™. Bases coaching on individual's learning styles, helping students understand how they learn best. Shows students how to learn modalities and techniques that work for their learning styles. Concentrates on students putting information into memory in a way that makes retrieval easy. Assures that students become organized in all work so they can manage their learning.
Best Day Foundation
https://bestdayfoundation.org
Best Day Foundation enables children and young adults with special needs to build confidence and self-esteem through adventure activities which stretch their limits, expand their true potential, reinforce their achievement, & connect them with diverse populations in their community.Best Day currently has chapters serving:
· Chesapeake Bay Virginia and Northern North Carolina
· Florida
· New Jersey
· Los Angeles county, California
· Orange County, California
· San Diego, county, California
· Santa Barbara county, California
· Ventura county, California
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